Ähtäri’s beautiful countryside, with its ridges and lakes, makes an ideal setting for hiking trips. The area’s pristine forests and waterways can’t help but enchant visitors. Established in 1973, Ähtäri Zoo is Finland’s oldest zoo built in a natural environment. It houses almost 60 animal species, most of which are indigenous to the boreal forests.

Southern Ostrobothnian and Central Finnish characteristics come together in Alajärvi, which is also the hub for local commercial and educational operations and municipal services. In Alajärvi, residents and visitors can spend time in safe, pleasant and architecturally valuable surroundings amid green spaces and lake scenery.

With about 2,000 residents, Isojoki, the southernmost town in South Ostrobothnia, makes an impact bigger than its size. It is known for its community-spirited, warm and human-centred atmosphere. The local dialect has a word that describes Isojoki to a tee: kökkä, which refers to an occasion of volunteers coming together to carry out communal work. Working together to achieve joint goals is one of its main strengths. The town’s sense of safety and beautiful natural surroundings make it an ideal place to live in and visit.

Experience the atmosphere of old times in Plassi, the old town of Kalajoki. Admire the beautiful old wooden houses and visit Art Noveau villa Havula or the small fishing museum. You can get to know the history of Kalajoki and its famous people also in Kalajoki Local History Museum.

Kalajoki is perhaps best known for its sand dunes, largest of which are almost 20 meters in height. The sand dunes area offers a wide range of services - try beach volley, disc golf, stand up paddle boarding, canoeing or jet skiing or just relax at the beach.

This South Ostrobothnian town, with about 14,500 residents, is home to a wide range of cultural events, facilities and leisure activities: Cultural Centre Vanha Paukku, Simpsiö ski centre and nature trails, museums, galleries, theatres, events, outdoor swimming pools and sports halls, fields and competitions offer plenty to see and do.

Soini offers natural beauty and stunning hiking routes amid varied terrain formed by strangmoors, numerous lakes and handsome ridges. The area also boasts South Ostrobothnia’s highest point, Raitamäki. In Soini, visitors can experience colourful stories, old traditions and mythical nature in all seasons. Because the area lies above sea level, snow cover is guaranteed in winter.

In the Vaasa region, you won’t need to choose one or the other, as beautiful nature and urban city life can be easily combined on a single visit. The Ostrobothnian coast is exotic in many ways – and certainly worth exploring. The unique natural environment in the Kvarken Archipelago is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is Finland’s only Natural Heritage site.

Magnificent tree-covered fell area of Syöte and the national park surroundings are the perfect destination for nature lovers in all seasons. In Syöte you will have great nature experiences with multiple activities.

The Syöte National Park was established in 2000 in order to protect the valuable natural features of the wooded hills. In the deep wilderness of the national park, many threatened species, such as the Siberian flying squirrel, the golden eagle, large carnivore species, and the delicate yellow marsh saxifrage have a chance to thrive. There are hundreds of kilometres of trails in the Syöte National Park, in all seasons.

In the middle of Finland, in one of the most beautiful corners of the country, you will find a hidden treasure of Ukkohalla resort, located right on the shore of Lake Syväjärvi. Heady air, a huge number of lakes and rivers, picturesque forests and steep hillsides. In Ukkohalla you can spend your holiday enjoying the cleanest Finnish nature at it’s best!

Located on the eastern shore of a large crater lake in the lake district of South Ostrobothnia, Vimpeli is known for its gutsy, community-spirited and enterprising atmosphere. This world capital of Finnish baseball is well known for Europe’s largest crater lake, an upper secondary school specialising in ball games, perseverance and entrepreneurship.

Kurikka’s numerous nature trails offer ideal conditions for hiking. A popular route running through Jyllinkoski woods is particularly beautiful. Other popular hiking routes include the Nuijapolku, Karhunpolku, Korven Jotos, Kurjen kierros and Sällinpolku trails.

Lappajärvi, with 3,000 residents, is located on the shore of a crater lake created when a meteorite hit the ground on the site. Its population expands significantly in the summer, when summer residents and holidaymakers return to the area’s 1,100 holiday homes. The spectacular scenery and the recreational activities offered by its lakeside location make Lappajärvi a pleasant place to visit and live.

Seinäjoki has become known for its numerous events. Established in 1979, Provinssi is one Finland’s largest rock festivals. The three-day festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors every June. July is an action-packed month in Seinäjoki. The Tangomarkkinat tango festival offers high emotion and memorable experiences and invites visitors to enjoy concerts, dances, dance competitions and performances by popular artists.

The main attraction in Alavus is Keskinen Brothers’ Village Shop in Tuuri. In addition to offering a unique atmosphere, the shopping centre houses almost a hundred high-quality stores and service providers. With its fun Moomin playground, Tuuri offers things to do for the whole family.